As any mum can attest, instilling self-worth and self-confidence in our children is one of the most important things you can do as a parent.
But what happens when your daily efforts are reduced to nought on account of the actions of cruel bullies?
Desperate to remind her son that the vicious words and jeering taunts he’s been exposed to for the first three years of his life are not an accurate reflection of reality, one heartbroken mum took to Facebook to urge the public to consider the impact their words can have.
Lauren Russell used her social media account to recall an event which took place when she and her little boy, Noah, were travelling on a bus together in Southampton.
“Today my heart broke in two. Whilst travelling on a public bus number 12 I witnessed such cruel behaviour towards my three-year-old son from a very narrow minded boy who couldn’t be much older than 13,” she began.
“Unfortunately this hasn’t been the first time and I know it won’t be the last. He’s been targeted by people of all ages. And what for? Because he has ginger hair.”
Revealing that her beautiful little boy has been subjected to cruel words on numerous occasions, Lauren revealed the extent of the bullying, writing: “My beautiful boy was told social services should have taken him away because his hair colour is disgusting. The boy then turned to his friend and said if he ever had a ginger child he would kill it.”
Heartbroken for both herself and her son, Lauren continued: “Now my little boy is only three and was left very confused. I feel devastated as I too have ginger hair and no all too well what it’s like to grow up being singled out/ the target of such bullies.”
Moving thousands, Lauren revealed the impact the abuse has had on her son, explaining: “He hasn’t stopped asking me why people don’t like his hair. He asked me if I could change it for him so people will like it. He asked me if he could be like his brother who doesn’t have ginger hair.”
Desperate to placate her child and assure him that the bullies’ behaviour is not an accurate representation of the wider public, Lauren shared her son’s story in an effort to prove a point to her little boy.
“The reason I am trying to go public with this is because I know these cruel bullies are in the minority. I want to show my little boy that there is more good in this world than bad. There are kind and caring non judgemental people who won’t ever single him out.”
Sharing an image of her little boy, Lauren urged the public to raise awareness of his story and join her in proving that Noah is a much-loved member of our society.
“I ask you all to please share this and show my boy how beautiful he is. I want to show him the good in this world with the power of Facebook. It isn’t okay to bully somebody for their hair colour, not now. Not ever.”
Thankfully, Lauren’s efforts have not been in vain, and the despairing mum has been inundated with messages of support from thousands of people only too eager to remind Noah just how special he is.
“I’ve just showed Noah and if anyone saw his face its priceless,” she gushed.
Noah, like thousands others, we think you’re brave and beautiful.
